It all started back in 1996 when John Herzig's hobby was collecting autographs. John had requested the autographed photo of legendary boxer Joe Louis and received a package containing MORE than just the photograph – it contained the program from the fighter's 1981 funeral ceremony. That event sparked John's interest in famous funerals, and began his collection, currently numbering some 1,500 pieces… considered the largest known collection of its kind!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Remembering Pat Summerall May 10, 1930 - April 16, 2013

His theme in life was that "it's never to late to start over."

George Allen "Pat" Summerall is remembered for a successful football career and even more for his many years as a television sportscaster. He also served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Pat was born in Lake City, Florida having experienced a difficult childhood. He was raised by loving relatives and overcame many obstacles to reach success as both a professional athlete and legendary sports commentator. Although he has received many honors for his career, he is most proud of his relationship with Jesus Christ. In his later years, he was moved to share his belief in Jesus Christ with the world.

In high school, Pat attended Columbia High School in Lake City and played football, tennis, baseball and basketball. His favorite sport at the time was basketball and was an All State player in both basketball and football and inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame. Following high school, Summerall attended the University of Arkansas from 1949-51 and played defensive end and tight end and was also the Razorback's placekicker.

He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round during the 1952 draft as primarily a placekicker. After breaking his arm, he was traded to the Chicago Cardinals where he played from 53-57 and then the New York Giants from 1958-61. He was a player in the "Greatest Game Ever Played." His best season as a professional was in 1959 when he scored 90 points and was 30 for 30 in extra point kicking and 20 for 29 in field goals. His final game as a football player took place in the 1961 NFL Championship game.

He took an interest in broadcasting during the early 60's when he was the morning host of a radio show in New York City. His broadcasts often aired on Fox and CNN and over the years hosted other shows on both television and radio.

Following his retirement from football, he was hired by CBS to work as a color commentator for National Football League coverage. He eventually rose to the top of sports journalism. He covered weekly games and did his first Super Bowl coverage for Super Bowl III. Over the years, Summerall paired up with many of the leading sports commentators in the business and in 1981, he shared coverage with John Madden. The two of them covered 16 Super Bowls over the years. His final game with Madden was the 1993 NFC championship game. He soon found himself doing commentating on the Madden NFL video games. He also covered professional golf including the Masters tournament along with tennis, hockey, and basketball events.

Summerall received many honors over the years including National Sportscaster of the year in 1977 and was inducted into the Sportscasters Hall of Fame. He was the 1994 recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award given to him by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. An award was named in his honor that goes to "a deserving recipient who through their career has demonstrated character, integrity, and leadership both on and off the job."

He also did many commercials for such names as True Value and Dux Beds. He also provided commentary for the Cartoon Network's "The Big Game" from 1998-2001.

Summerall funeral program

On his personal side, Pat suffered from alcoholism for many years and although he quit drinking, because of the habitual use of alcohol over the years, his liver was destroyed. He underwent a liver transplant in 2004. As mentioned earlier, he developed a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and often gave speeches about his new life free from addiction.

He wrote his book called "Summerall: On and Off the Air" and claimed that he replaced his thirst for alcohol with a thirst for knowledge about faith and God.

Pat Summerall underwent hip surgery for a broken hip in April, 2013. He developed heart complications from the surgery and died on April 16, 2013 at the age of 82.

John Madden speaking of his friend

Thousands gathered for a celebration of Pat's life (program pictured) was held on April 20, 2013 in the Worship Center of the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Among those who spoke of Summerall were his longtime friend, John Madden and Dr. Jack Graham. Madden said of his friend "If there ever was a book about good guys, he'd be the star of that book."

Pat Summerall resting place

Pat Summerall was laid to rest in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.

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About Me

John is the president and third generation owner of Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. and partner with his wife, Joyce in the operation of the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center.
A 1970 graduate of Dover High School, John received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ashland College in 1974 and is an honors graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He earned the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice in 1976, becoming one of the first funeral directors in Ohio to be so named.